Serious Nikon Film SLR Resource

Image Source: http://www.destoutz.ch/nikon-f.html

 

I've had the opportunity to purchase some lovely Nikon SLRs recently, and taken it. I finally pulled the trigger on a new Nikon Df digital SLR, but that's not what I'm talking about.

 

One of my friends recently sold me a pair of old Nikons: an original F Photomic, which is in about the best cosmetic condition I could ask for, and an F2SB. The F2SB is also in great condition, and fully functional, but not quite as pristine as the F.

 

Anyway, in looking for information on these cameras, I came across this incredible website by Richard de Stoutz. Richard shares images of his extensive, and I mean extensive, Nikon SLR collection.

 

(Click Here) to check out destoutz.com

 

I love seeing people who are as obsessed as I am (or more) with using these great old cameras.

 

DMC-365.blogspot.com

 

 

Time to Make My Portfolios

Meditative Photography, by Reed A. George

 

If you're a regular DMC-365 reader, you may know that I've been accepted into a Magnum workshop with David Alan Harvey this September. The workshop is already having a positive effect on my work, even though it won't start for another week. In short, I've been instructed to put together a portfolio of my work in preparation for the workshop.

 

I've known that it's time to update my portfolios, as well as my online presence at my website creativeobjective.com for quite some time. Now I have a deadline, at least for my portfolios.

 

Of course, I started by reading up a little to get some tips on making a powerful portfolio.

 

(Click Here) to read an article on PopPhoto on the subject.

 

In this article, Brian Dilg of the New York Film Academy's photography school offers a lot of insight. Here are the most important tips from my perspective:

 

1. Don't include multiple images that are too similar or obviously taken in the same session. It can make it look like you're indecisive or incapable of editing your work.
2. Stick to either landscape or portrait orientation within a series of images. This is a tough one for me.
3. Don't pad your portfolio with less than the best images, ever.
4. Every image should evoke a "Wow" from viewers, without the need for explanation.
5. Your portfolio should focus on a subject; that should be the subject you'd love to be paid to photograph.
6. Your goal is not to show competency as a photographer; it's to show creativity as an artist.
7. Use mini-sequences within your portfolio. A simple three image sequence should follow this outline: create an expectation (1st image), establish a pattern (2nd), and provide a surprise or thrill (3rd).
8. In most cases, a real print still rules. However, in a pinch, an electronic portfolio can be acceptable.

So, it looks like I have my work cut out for me.

 

DMC-365.blogspot.com

 

M.T. Sullivan's Project: "People On The Bus"

Image Source: http://cargocollective.com/newnormalphotography/People-on-the-Bus

As you may know, I'm always looking for new project opportunities. What I find interesting is that some of the most successful projects are not extravagant subjects or faraway places. In fact, sometimes the subject doesn't matter that much at all; it's the photographer's interpretations that matter.

M.T. Sullivan posted about this project, "People On The Bus," on our LHSA (International Leica Society) Google+ community page. I administer the page, which may be found by going to:

plus.google.com or (Clicking Here) and searching for "LHSA."

Everyone is welcome to join the community page, but we hope it will help to convince you to join LHSA as well. For more information on the LHSA, please (Click Here).

Back to M.T.'s project, he's having a gallery showing from January 10 to February 13, 2014 at Tamarkin Camera's Rangefinder Gallery, located at 300 W. Superior Street, Chicago, Illinois. If you're not near Chicago, you can (Click Here) to see the whole project online.

 

I'd like to congratulate M.T. on a successful project, website, and gallery show. Way to go!

 

DMC-365.blogspot.com

 

 

SmugMug - New Templates - Maybe Some Good News for a Change

I have a SmugMug page, where I post a lot of my images, and occasionally sell one or two. And I do mean occasionally. No where near enough to cover the costs of the SmugMug site, especially now that they've more than doubled the price.

 

(Click Here) to see my SmugMug-based site, creativeobjective.com

 

I've always felt that the lack of sales was partially due to weak templates from SmugMug. I'm no web programmer, so did not customize. My opinion is that it's tough to even know the images are for sale in the templates.

 

Image Source: http://tysonrobichaudphotography.wordpress.com/2013/07/30/trp-gallery-site-refresh/

 

However, Tyson Robichaud, a photographer that I respect highly, has posted that he has been able to take advantage of new templates posted by SmugMug. Looking it over, I'd say Tyson's site looks great. It still doesn't make how to purchase an image obvious to the casual observer, though.

 

At least it's motivated me to look through the new templates.

 

DMC-365.blogspot.com